The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued fines to at least nine Deposit Money Banks for failing to ensure cash availability via automated teller machines, ATMs, during the festive season.
The fines total N1.35bn, with each of the banks fined N150m.
The banks were found culpable after spot checks revealed non-compliance with the Central Bank’s cash distribution guidelines.
A statement released by CBN acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, on Tuesday, read: “In a clear message of zero tolerance for cash flow disruptions, the Central Bank of Nigeria has sanctioned Deposit Money Banks for failing to make naira notes available through automated teller machines during the yuletide season.
“Each bank was fined N150m for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches. The enforcement action follows repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.
“The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.”
The fine will be debited directly from the banks’ accounts with CBN